Top 20 Greatest Actors of the Century (So Far)

These thespians have dominated the silver screen since the year 2000. For this list, we’ll be looking at actors who have consistently taken on challenging and transformative roles, built up their careers, or have become massively influential in Hollywood this century. Our countdown includes Margot Robbie, Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Joaquin Phoenix, Matthew McConaughey, and more! Did we include your favorite actor? Let us know in the comments.

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#Film
#Acting
#Actor
#Drama
#BestActor
#LeonardoDiCaprio
#DanielDayLewis
#MargotRobbie
#TimothéeChalamet
#ScarlettJohansson

[WatchMojo]

Do you agree with our list? Who would you have included?

[Adrian]

Jennifer Lawrence above Gary Oldman? Oldman is too low on this list in general. He's such an underrated talent.

[hamadalfarhan]

As much as I love both Margot Robbie and Lupita Nyongo, and their immense talent, placing them higher on this list than the likes of Denzel Washington and Cate Blanchette is absolutely criminal

[dehagursel]

Well, forgetting to mention Bryan Cranston after putting "Say my name" clip is beyond me

[indigosaint]

How, how, how is Meryl Streep nowhere on this list!?!?! Of all the omissions of any list you’ve ever made Watchmojo, this is by far the most criminal!

[ashleygiguere]

It's criminal that Gary Oldman is towards the end of this list. He's easily one of the GOATs. The wide array of characters he's portrayed over the years have all been flawless. There has been several movies where I didn't realize it was him until atleast halfway through if not most of the way through. He should've been ahead of several of these people at the very least.

[jyotiradityadigal]

Watchmojo never disappoints to disappoint us.

[rafaelc.c.]

As much as I like Timothy Chalamet, putting him right ahead of Adam Driver was funny.
And I'm extremely surprised Russell Crowe didn't appear in the list, having made Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind, Master and Commander, 3:10 to Yuma, Cinderella Man, etc. And Saorise Ronan, Ryan Gosling, Kate Winslet, etc. But well, there are SO many great actors that is hard.

[TheShamRulz]

James McAvoy was simply amazing in Split. My dude deserves at least an honourable mention.

[Bjorks]

It's honestly sad that took some people long enough until Joker to appriciate Joaquin Phoenix as an actor when he has done some incredible performance in the past. There's a good reason why he's one of the best actors of his generation

[nathanleak]

I'm surprised Tom Hanks wasn't in this. He is and has been a phenomenal actor. I understand that he has done some shady stuff, but If we're judging this based only around acting then he is arguably one of the best in the business.

[CalifornianCuttlefish]

Great Video! *All of these actors are incredibly and immensely talented and creative*

[sabertooth]

Gary oldman is one the greatest actor ever lived. He deserves a spot in top 5

[emiebex]

Samuel L Jackson 73 Years old & he acts in multiple roles like a guy in his 20's.

[mr.decencykeepinitreal]

Heath Ledger, one of my most favorite film actors of all time and we all still miss him a lot.

[startupcapital]

Tom Hanks, Jack Nicklson, Client Estwood, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert De-niro, Robin Williams, Joe Pesci, Brad Pitt, Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Anthony Hopkins, Kate Winslet? They are some of the finest actors!

[alleira]

Both James McAvoy and Cilian Murphy should be on this. McAvoys character acting in split was incredible and Cilian has been amazing in every role he's done.

[dumbchicken]

Gotta say Johnny Depp is absolutely amazing at adapting to his characters

[DominickRuocco]

Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors in Hollywood and is STILL my favorite Batman.

[SithCelia]

Surprising that Leonardo's work as the little brother in What's Eating Gilbert Grape? wasn't mentioned, since that was where I was introduced to his potential as a character actor. He embodied that role to such an excellent degree that I could never have imagined him NOT actually being mentally disabled. He really has grown up nicely since that movie.